Condemning Political Violence and Reaffirming the Principles of Civility, Public Safety, and Democratic Governance

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island and the United States of America are founded upon democratic principles that depend upon the peaceful exchange of ideas, the rule of law, and respect for differing viewpoints; and

WHEREAS, Political violence in any form—whether threatened or carried out— undermines the foundations of a free society, erodes public trust, and endangers the safety of public officials, candidates for office, and the general public; and

WHEREAS, Recent years have seen a troubling rise in politically motivated threats and acts of violence across the nation, directed at individuals of differing political affiliations and roles in public life; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, an attempted act of violence directed at President Donald J. Trump has once again underscored the urgent need to reject violence and reaffirm our shared commitment to peaceful civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, The people of Rhode Island stand united in the belief that disagreements must be resolved through dialogue, democratic processes, and the ballot box—not through intimidation, coercion, or violence; and

WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of leaders at all levels of government to model civility, encourage respectful discourse, and unequivocally condemn violence regardless of its source or target; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby condemns political violence in all its forms and calls upon all individuals and institutions to reject extremism and uphold the rule of law; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate specifically denounces the most recent attempted act of violence against President Donald J. Trump, and affirms that such acts have no place in our democracy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate urges all Rhode Islanders to promote a climate of mutual respect, civic responsibility, and peaceful participation in the democratic process; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.